The Baltic states of Lithuania and Estonia have been actively working to enhance their economic and diplomatic relations with Taiwan in order to bolster its democracy and counter China's influence. Lithuania, which aims to build the EU's 'Silicon Valley', has opened a trade office in Taiwan and made significant progress in economic relations between the two countries [28ea899c] [6f1809d5]. It prioritizes partnerships with like-minded democracies and stands firm on its right to determine its economic relationships [6f1809d5]. Estonia, on the other hand, has announced that it will allow Taiwan to open a non-diplomatic representative office in the country to enhance economic and cultural ties [7b1301c8]. Both countries are diversifying their economic relationships and seeking to strengthen trade with Asian partners such as Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore [6f1809d5]. These initiatives are driven by the common theme of strengthening economic and diplomatic ties with Taiwan, despite facing backlash from China [6f1809d5] [7b1301c8]. The Baltic states are determined to assert their sovereignty and defend their democratic values in the face of potential aggression from Russia [fded1a28].
To preserve Taiwan's democracy and counter China's regional dominance, it is crucial for Taiwan to strengthen ties with the West and China's regional adversaries [0c083b28]. Giving in to China's demand for reunification would come at a huge cost for Taiwan and global stability [0c083b28]. Taiwan's upcoming presidential election will play a significant role in determining the trajectory of its democracy amidst tensions with China [0c083b28]. China's president, Xi Jinping, aims to reunite China as a unipolar power, which would have far-reaching effects [0c083b28]. China's crackdown in Hong Kong has shown that it would not respect a 'one country, two systems' framework [0c083b28]. Therefore, Taiwan must form new partnerships with neighboring countries to restrain China's power [0c083b28].
In a recent development, Lithuania's foreign minister, Gabrielius Landsbergis, accuses China of engaging in a pressure campaign against Lithuania after Beijing suspended the issuance of visas to Lithuanian citizens without explanation. The move follows a recent visit by a Lithuanian parliamentary delegation to Taiwan, which China strongly opposes [642c0554]. Tensions between Lithuania and China have been simmering since 2021 when Lithuania allowed a representative office to open under the name of Taiwan in its capital. China responded by downgrading diplomatic relations and blocking Lithuanian products at customs. Lithuania's foreign ministry maintains an advisory against travel to China due to concerns about the safety of Lithuanian citizens [642c0554].
Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) criticized Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov for referring to Taiwan as an 'integral part of China.' MOFA stated that neither Taiwan nor China is subordinate to the other and that the 'Chinese Communist Party regime has never governed Taiwan.' Taiwan emphasized its status as a modern democratic country that upholds human rights and the rule of law. MOFA condemned the 'false claims' made by Lavrov and expressed concern about the collusion between Moscow and Beijing, which it believes damages international peace, stability, and the rules-based world order. Taiwan reaffirmed its commitment to defending its national sovereignty and collaborating with like-minded nations to resist China's intimidation and curb authoritarian expansionism. Additionally, Taiwan expressed gratitude to US President Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida for their support of stability in the Taiwan Strait during a trilateral summit in Washington, DC [f817b0ea].
Meanwhile, Estonia has made a significant decision in its border dispute with Russia. The Estonian government has decided to start designing and building on land plots that were planned to be exchanged with Russia. The foreign Ministers of Russia and Estonia signed agreements on the state border and maritime delimitation in 2005 and 2014, but they have not been ratified. Estonian Interior Minister Lauri Leaenemets stated that Estonia no longer intends to make such an exchange with Russia. A new road will be built around the Saatse Boot, which will allow people to move around Estonia, and not through the territory of Russia, where they cannot stop. Estonia and Russia currently do not have a legally formalized border. In 2005, a border agreement was signed in Moscow, but Russia withdrew its signature under the treaty. In 2014, a new treaty was signed, which has not yet been ratified [23966018].